So You Think You Can Dance Star Pleads Innocent in Rape Case

Famed choreographer is fighting allegations he raped four female dancers he tutored at his home over a seven-year period

UPDATE Aug. 16, 2010: Da Silva's bail was reduced from $6.2 million to $2 million.
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We know he can dance, but can Alex Da Silva successfully defend himself?

The former So You Think You Can Dance choreographer pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a Los Angeles courtroom to charges he sexually assaulted four different women during private lessons over a seven-year period.

Da Silva, 41, is currently being held on $6.2 million bail and faces eight felony counts: four counts of forcible rape, two counts of assault with intent to commit rape and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object.

The Latin dance instructor, best known for laying down salsa, Argentine tango and mambo moves for SYTYCD contestants from 2005 to 2008, was arrested last August.

Per prosecutors, Da Silva lured the victims to his North Hollywood home and then raped them. The alleged crimes took place between 2002 and 2009 and involved female dancers between the ages of 20 and 26 who signed up for his one-on-one sessions.

If convicted of all charges, Da Silva could face a maximum term of life in prison.

A pretrial hearing is set for June 11.